Clamp assembly for umbrellas

ABSTRACT

There is provided a clamp assembly system for use with an umbrella to prevent the umbrella from breaking or inverting in strong winds or windy environments. The clamp assembly includes a pole clamp for receiving the umbrella pole where the pole clamp has a plurality of through holes, a plurality of rings for attachment to the plurality of through holes on the pole clamp, a plurality of spring clamps for attachment to one or more umbrella stretchers, and a plurality of lanyards, wherein one end of the lanyards being attached to the plurality of spring clamps and the other end of the lanyards being attached to the plurality of rings. The pole clamp includes a first clamp part and a second clamp part, where when the first clamp part and the second clamp part are positioned together, they form a center recess for receiving the umbrella pole.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a clamp assembly for use with table, patio, market and commercial umbrellas. More particularly, the present application relates to a clamp assembly that are used to prevent table, patio, market and commercial umbrellas from breaking or inverting in strong wind environments.

BACKGROUND

When table, patio, market and commercial umbrellas are used during periods of high wind or in a high wind environment, there is a high risk of the umbrella breaking or inverting. For example, in high wind environments there is a risk of the umbrella arms or other components of the umbrella breaking. Other than creating stronger umbrellas in the initial construction of umbrellas by the manufacturer (e.g. table umbrellas, market umbrellas), there is currently no solution to this problem. An improved solution is needed to prevent table, patio, market and commercial umbrellas from breaking or inverting when used in strong winds.

SUMMARY

The present application provides a clamp assembly for use with table, patio, market and commercial umbrellas to prevent the umbrella from breaking or inverting in high winds or in a high wind environment. The term market umbrella may be used interchangeably with table, patio and commercial umbrellas. A high wind environment may be for example winds or wind gusts up to around 50 km/h. The clamp assembly system of the present application is easy to install and is light weight. The clamp assembly system provides additional stability and rigidity to the umbrella to prevent the umbrella from breaking in strong winds (e.g. umbrella arms breaking) and allows the umbrella to remain open for long periods of time. The clamp assembly system may be provided as a kit with all of the components of the clamp assembly, or each component of the clamp assembly may be sold separately.

There is provided a clamp assembly system for use with an umbrella, the system comprising a pole clamp for receiving the umbrella pole, the pole clamp having a plurality of through holes; a plurality of rings for attachment to the plurality of through holes on the pole clamp; a plurality of spring clamps for attachment to one or more umbrella stretchers; and a plurality of lanyards, wherein one end of the lanyards being attached to the plurality of spring clamps and the other end of the lanyards being attached to the plurality of rings. The umbrella with the attached clamp assembly system can withstand high wind environments such as winds or wind gusts up to at around 50 km/h (e.g. withstand winds of at least 50 km/h and possibly higher). The umbrella may be a table, patio, market or commercial umbrella.

There is provided a clamp for use with an umbrella, the clamp comprising: a first clamp part; and a second clamp part; wherein when the first clamp part and the second clamp part are positioned together, they form a center recess for receiving the umbrella tube (may also be referred to as umbrella pole). As well, the first and second clamp parts have a plurality of through holes for receiving a plurality of rings. The ends of the first clamp part and the ends of the second clamp part are secured together using a securing means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows components of a clamp assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a clamp for attachment to the pole of an umbrella in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2B shows a side plan view of the clamp in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2C shows a top plan view of the clamp in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2D shows a second side plan view of the clamp in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the clamp assembly attached to an umbrella in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 shows a partial view of components of the clamp assembly attached to a stretcher of the umbrella in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 shows the claim assembly attached to an open umbrella in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application; and

FIG. 6 shows a different view of the claim assembly attached to an open umbrella in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The clamp assembly 100 of the present application is used to prevent table, patio and other commercial outdoor umbrellas from breaking or investing in strong winds or windy environments. Strong wind environment includes for example winds or wind gusts up to around 50 km/h. In an example embodiment, the clamp assembly 100 is used for large commercial or table umbrellas. However, in other embodiments, the clamp assembly 100 may be used with any sized umbrella that is used in strong wind environments. Typically, the table, patio, market and commercial umbrellas have six or eight arms (e.g. umbrella stretchers). As well, the table, patio, market and commercial umbrellas may be freestanding umbrellas.

FIG. 1 illustrates components of the clamp assembly 100 in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The clamp assembly 100 comprises a pole clamp 110, a plurality of rings 140, a plurality of lanyards 150, a plurality of spring clamps 170, a plurality of bolts 190 and a plurality of nuts 192. In an example embodiment, the plurality of rings 140 are keyrings or split rings and are comprised of a single piece of metal in a double loop formation. In the example embodiment, the plurality of spring clamps 170 are circular in shape for attachment to the stretchers of the umbrella. For example, the spring clamps 170 may be the same or similar to a hose clamp. In other embodiments, the spring clamps 170 may have a different shape and configuration. The plurality of lanyards 150 comprise a strap or cord 152 and a clasping means 154 at each end of the strap 152. In the example embodiment, the strap (or cord) 152 is approximately 29 inches long and this length can be used with the majority of umbrellas. In the example embodiment, the clasping means 154 further comprises a clip hook 155 for attachment to other components, a clasp 156 attached to the strap 152 and an intermediate clasp 157 for connection to both the clip hook 155 and the clasp 156. The clip hook 155 may be a spring or snap hook (e.g. with a catch that can open and close) to easily attach the hook 155 to other components. In some embodiments, the intermediate clasp 157 facilitates rotation at the point of connection with the clasp 156. As well, in other embodiments, the clasping means 154 may have a different configuration or components.

In an example embodiment, the pole clamp 110, bolts 190 and nuts 192 are made out of plastic. In other embodiments, the pole clamp 110, bolts 190 and nuts 192 may be made out of metal or another durable material. Manufacturing the pole clamp 110, bolts 190 and nuts 192 out of metal is more expensive and results in heavier and bulkier components. Additionally, the metal components are more likely to scratch the umbrella tube. Accordingly, although plastic is less durable than metal, manufacturing the pole clamp 110, bolts 190 and nuts 192 out of plastic overcomes the above issues with using metal components. The material used for the clamp assembly 100 components is of a sufficient strength to withstand strong wind environments, such as winds or wind gusts up to around 50 km/h.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate the pole clamp 110 for attachment to the pole of an umbrella in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application. The pole clamp 110 comprises two individual components, a first clamp part 112 and a second clamp part 114. The first clamp part 112 and the second clamp part 114 are shaped as a semi-circle with straight horizontal lines extending away from each side of the base of the semi-circle. When the first clamp part 112 and the second clamp part 114 are positioned together for use with an umbrella, they form a clamp portion 118 and a first and second elongated securing portions 121, 122 that extend from the clamp portion 118 on opposite ends. As the pole clamp 110 is comprised of two parts, the first clamp part 112 and the second clamp part 114, the pole clamp 110 can accommodate table, patio, market and commercial umbrellas of different sizes. As well, as shown in FIG. 2A, there may be a gap 132 between the first clamp part 112 and the second clamp part 114 when they are combined together.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the clamp portion 118 is circular in shape with a flat top side 124 and a flat bottom side 125, however in other embodiments the portion 118 may be of a different shape (e.g. square) and the portion 118 may not have flat top and bottom sides. The clamp portion 118 has a recess 126 for receiving an umbrella tube (e.g. main rod or tube of the umbrella). As well, the clamp portion 118 has a plurality of holes 128 that pass through from the top side 124 to the bottom side 125 (e.g. through holes). The plurality of holes 128 are positioned equidistant from each other along the clamp portion 118. Also, the number of holes 128 on the clamp portion 118 may vary depending on the size and configuration of the umbrella. For example, in some embodiments the number of holes 128 on the clamp portion 118 corresponds to the number of arms (e.g. umbrella stretchers) on the umbrella. In some embodiments the number of holes 128 are half of the number of arms of the umbrella. For example, for an umbrella with six stretchers (e.g. arms), there would be three holes 128 on the clamp portion 118, and for an umbrella with eight stretchers (e.g. arms) there would be four holes 128 on the clamp portion 118.

Also, in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the first and second elongated portions 121, 122 each have a hole 130 for receiving a securing means. In an example embodiment, the securing means are the plurality of bolts 190 and the plurality of nuts 192. In other embodiments, other securing means may be used to secure the first clamp part 112 and the second clamp part 114 together. In an example embodiment, the pole clamp 110 has a length of 127.90 mm, the plurality of holes 128 have a diameter of 5 mm and the recess 126 for receiving the umbrella tube has a radius of 18.57 mm.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial view of the clamp assembly attached to an umbrella in accordance with another example embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 3 , the plurality of rings 140 are attached to the holes 128 on the pole clamp 110. For example, the rings 140 pass through the holes 128. The combination of the holes 128 on the pole clamp 110 and the rings 140 passing through the holes 128 facilitates increased strength and force resistance of the clamp assembly of the present application and facilitates the umbrella with the clamp assembly to function and remain open in high wind environments without breaking (e.g. without umbrella arms breaking). The clip hooks 155 on the clasping means 154 of the lanyard 150 are then attached to the rings 140. As well, the umbrella tube 302 passes through the recess 126 formed by the first clamp part 112 and the second clamp part 114. The first claim part 112 and the second clamp part 114 are secured together with bolts 190 that pass through the holes 130 on the first and second elongated securing portions 121, 122. The bolts 190 are secured in place with the nuts 192. In the example embodiments, the rings 140, clip hooks 155 and clasps 156 are made of steel or other metal to provide sufficient strength and resistance so that the clamp assembly attached to the umbrella can withstand high wind environments. In other embodiments other materials of sufficient strength may be used for these components.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial view of components of the clamp assembly attached to an outside perimeter point of the umbrella in accordance with another example embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 4 , one of the plurality of spring clamps 170 is attached to one of the umbrella's stretchers 310 (e.g. umbrella arms). As well, the clip hook 155 at an end of one of the plurality of lanyards 150 is attached to the spring clamp 170. In the example embodiment, the spring clamps 170 are attached a predetermined distance away from an endpoint 312 of the umbrella stretcher 310 (e.g. perimeter endpoint). For example, in some embodiments, the distance between the endpoint 312 and the attached spring clamp 170 on the umbrella stretcher 310 is approximately ⅓ of the length of the umbrella stretcher 310. In other embodiments, the spring clamp 170 may be attached at a different point along the umbrella stretcher 310, where the point is located away from the endpoint 312.

FIG. 5 illustrates the claim assembly attached to an open umbrella in accordance with another example embodiment of the present application. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the umbrella 500 has six stretchers 510 (e.g. arms). Accordingly, in this example the clamp assembly 100 used for the umbrella 500 comprises the pole clamp 110, three rings 140, three lanyards 150, three spring clamps 170, two bolts 190 and two nuts 192. For example, in some embodiments the number of rings 140, lanyards 150 and spring clamps 170 used and secured to the umbrella correspond to half of the number of arms (e.g. umbrella stretchers) on the umbrella. For example, with an umbrella as shown in FIG. 5 having six arms, three rings 140, three lanyards 150 and three spring clamps 170 are used. In use the spring clamps 170 and lanyards 150 attach to every second umbrella stretcher 510 (e.g. alternating pattern). Also, in the example embodiment, the pole clamp 110 is attached at a position below the umbrella runner 520. The pole clamp 110 may move up and down the umbrella tube when the umbrella is in a closed positioned. In other embodiments, the number of components of the clamp assembly 100 may be different based on the size and configuration of the umbrella to be secured. For example, for an umbrella having eight stretchers (e.g. arms), the clamp assembly 100 would comprise the pole clamp 110, four rings 140, four lanyards 150, four spring clamps 170, two bolts 190 and two nuts 192. In an example embodiment, the spring clamps 170 are attached at equal distances depending on the size of the umbrella. For example, the spring clamps 170 may be attached approximately between eight and fourteen inches from the umbrella stretcher edge or endpoint 312 (e.g. outer perimeter of the umbrella). In other embodiments, the spring clamps 170 may be positioned equidistant between the perimeter of the umbrella and the umbrella support beams 520. In the example embodiment, fifty percent of the number of umbrella stretchers (e.g. arms) in the umbrella are secured with the clamp assembly 100 of the present application, which facilitates the proper functioning of the umbrella in an open position while withstanding high wind environments for long periods of time.

FIG. 6 shows a different view of the claim assembly attached to an open umbrella in accordance with another example embodiment of the present application. In use, the clamp assembly 100 provides additional support and rigidity to the umbrella, thereby preventing the umbrella from breaking or inverting when the umbrella is subjected to strong winds. For example, an umbrella having the clamp assembly 100 installed was tested in approximately 50 km/h wind gusts and the umbrella remained damage free (e.g. did not break). As well, some benefits of the clamp assembly of the present application may include that the clamp assembly is less costly to manufacture and there is less risk of breakage of components due to the design and material of the clamp assembly components. What has been described above includes examples of the disclosed architecture. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel architecture is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A clamp assembly system for use with an umbrella, the system comprising: a pole clamp for receiving the umbrella pole, the pole clamp having a plurality of through holes; a plurality of rings for attachment to the plurality of through holes on the pole clamp; a plurality of spring clamps for attachment to one or more umbrella stretchers; and a plurality of lanyards, wherein one end of the lanyards being attached to the plurality of spring clamps and the other end of the lanyards being attached to the plurality of rings.
 2. The clamp assembly system of claim 1, wherein the umbrella with the attached clamp assembly kit can withstand high wind environments of winds up to around 50 km/h.
 3. The clamp assembly system of claim 1, wherein the umbrella is a table, patio, market or commercial umbrella.
 4. The clamp assembly system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spring clamps are attached a predetermined distance away from a perimeter endpoint of the one or more umbrella stretchers.
 5. The clamp assembly system of claim 4, wherein the distance between the endpoint of the umbrella stretcher and the attached spring clamp is approximately ⅓ of the length of the one or more umbrella stretchers.
 6. The clamp assembly system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spring clamps are positioned equidistant between the perimeter of the umbrella and the umbrella support beams.
 7. The clamp assembly system of claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of through holes on the pole clamp correspond to half of the number of the umbrella stretchers on the umbrella.
 8. The clamp assembly system of claim 1, wherein the number of rings, lanyards, and spring clamps secured to the umbrella correspond to half of the number of umbrella stretchers on the umbrella.
 9. The clamp assembly system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spring clamps and the plurality of lanyards are attached in an alternating pattern to every second umbrella stretcher.
 10. The clamp assembly system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of bolts; and a plurality of nuts, wherein the plurality of bolts and nuts secure the pole clamp to the umbrella pole.
 11. A clamp for use with a market umbrella, the clamp comprising: a first clamp part; and a second clamp part; wherein when the first clamp part and the second clamp part are positioned together, they form a center recess for receiving the umbrella tube, and wherein the first and second clamp parts have a plurality of through holes for receiving a plurality of rings.
 12. The clamp of claim 11, wherein the number of the plurality of through holes correspond to half of the number of umbrella stretchers on the umbrella.
 13. The clamp of claim 11, wherein the ends of the first clamp part and the ends of the second clamp part are secured together using a securing means. 